Christmas Eve - 2024
Sermon for the Nativity, Christmas Eve
St. Paul's Episcopal Church
The Rev. Andrew McLarty
Good evening, and Merry Christmas!
What a joy it is to see all of you here tonight. Whether this is your first time at St. Paul’s or your 500th, whether you come brimming with Christmas spirit or carrying the weight of the year on your shoulders, know that you are welcome here. You enrich this sacred space with your presence.
I have always loved the Eucharistic Prayer we have selected for tonight, Prayer D.
It is the most formal and elegant of the ones offered in our Book of Common Prayer. There is a part, which I hope you will especially hear that says
Countless throngs of angels stand before you to serve you night and day; and, beholding the glory of your presence, they offer you unceasing praise. Joining with them, and giving voice to every creature under heaven, we acclaim you, and glorify your Name, as we sing, Holy, Holy, Holy Lord, God of power and might, heaven and earth are full of your glory. Hosanna in the highest.
Tonight, as we gather, we add our voices to the heavenly chorus witnessed by the shepherds, saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors.”
The readings tonight are a gift, proclaiming the fullness of this holy night. Isaiah speaks of a people walking in darkness who have seen a great light. Paul writes to Titus of the grace of God appearing to bring salvation to all. And in Luke’s Gospel, we hear the familiar, tender story of a child born in Bethlehem, announced by angels, visited by shepherds, and destined to change the world.
Isaiah’s says:
“The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness—on them light has shined.”
In a world that often feels divided, uncertain, and dark, Isaiah reminds us of God’s great plan: light shines in the darkness. Our parish has seen wonderful growth, discipleship, and ministry this year- but we have also lost many who mean so much to us. So bearing in mind all the solemnity and celebration we have expressed these past months, I again say that the “light” Isaiah speaks of is not an abstract concept or a fleeting moment. It is embodied in a person, Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace who calms chaos waters.
What does it mean for us that this light has come?
Luke answers: it means that God has drawn near. It means that God has chosen to enter the world not in power and majesty but in vulnerability—as a baby, born in a manger, surrounded by the lowly and the overlooked— an the first witnesses to this miracle are not kings or scholars but shepherds, ordinary people who lived on the margins. This is the kernel of the Christmas story: God comes to us not in spite of our messiness but because of it, meeting us right where we are.
I love that the angels’ announcement to the shepherds begins with, “Do not be afraid.” Isn’t that often the first thing we need to hear? Do not be afraid. Whatever darkness you might carry tonight, whatever worries or fears, the angels remind us that Christmas is about hope breaking through fear. It’s about God saying, “I see you, I love you, and I am with you.”
St. Paul, writing to Titus, reminds us why this night matters so deeply: “The grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all.” Not just to some, not just to the deserving, but to all. This grace teaches us to live differently—not as people driven by fear or despair, but as people shaped by faith, hope, and love.
So what does this Christmas grace look like in our lives? It looks like gathering here, together, lifting our voices in praise, no matter who we are or what brought us here. It looks like reaching out to those in need, offering kindness and compassion, giving voice to every creature under heaven. It looks like letting the light of Christ shine in us and through us, even when the world feels dark.
Tonight, as we celebrate the birth of Jesus, let us remember that this is just the beginning of the story. The baby in the manger will grow to teach, heal, and love in ways that transform the world. He will live and die and rise again to show us the depth of God’s love. Christmas is not just a celebration of what happened long ago; it is an invitation to live differently here and now.
And so, dear friends, let us leave this place like the shepherds—rejoicing, glorifying God, and sharing the good news of great joy. For to us is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.
Amen.
Merry Christmas!
